Marc Fogel, a 63-year-old American schoolteacher, was arrested in Russia in August 2021 after arriving with medical marijuana. His case drew international attention not only because of the severity of his punishment but also because of the long diplomatic efforts to secure his release. Marc Fogel was finally released on Feb. 11, 2025, following a deal negotiated by the Trump administration. Here’s a closer look at what happened, and why his story matters.
The Arrest and Charges
Marc Fogel was detained at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport when Russian customs agents discovered 17 grams of medical marijuana in his bags. Fogel, who had worked recently as a teacher at the Anglo-American School in Moscow, said the marijuana was prescribed by his physician in the United States to alleviate chronic back pain. He had been taking it for years to cope with pain from a series of surgeries and a degenerative spine condition.
But Russia has among the toughest drug laws in the world. Even possession of small amounts of marijuana is illegal, and there are no exceptions for medical use. Fogel faced charges of smuggling and possession of narcotics on a “large scale,” a major crime under Russian law. In June 2022, he was sentenced to 14 years at a Russian penal colony, a sentencing that surprised many for its severity.
Life in a Russian Prison
Fogel had a brutal time in prison. He was imprisoned in a penal colony notorious for its brutal conditions, including inadequate food, overcrowding, poor sanitation, and little access to medical care. His health worsened considerably during the time he was jailed. Fogel had chronic pain, arthritis, and other medical problems, but little or no treatment for his illnesses.
His family and legal team made repeated pleas to the U.S. government for assistance with his release, but the process was slow. Fogel’s case was frequently juxtaposed with that of Brittney Griner, the WNBA star who was arrested in Russia in 2022 after she was found to have hashish oil. Griner was freed in December 2022 as part of a high-profile prisoner exchange, but Fogel was left behind, prompting criticism of the Biden administration for failing to prioritize his case.
The Fight for Freedom
The U.S. State Department didn’t officially classify Fogel as “wrongfully detained” until December 2024. It would allow the government to take more aggressive measures to try to secure his release. Negotiations escalated, with the administration of former President Donald Trump playing a starring role.
In a meeting with President Trump at the White House, Fogel was praised for the terms of the deal as “very fair” and thanked Russia for its cooperation. Fogel, appearing emotional, thanked Trump and his staff, saying “heroes” brought him home.
Why This Matters
Marc Fogel’s case illustrates the perils of Americans visiting countries with tough drug laws. It also highlights how critical diplomacy can be in resolving such matters. Although Fogel’s release is a victory, other Americans, including Ksenia Karelina, remain in custody in Russia under similarly brutal conditions.
Fogel’s story is a reminder of the human cost of international conflicts and the power of diplomacy. His case also highlights concerns about the fairness of Russia’s legal system and the importance of familiarity with foreign laws when traveling.
